Introduction to Digital Forensics Syllabus for 2026-2027
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Instructor Information

Course Information

AI Statement

Collusion is defined as “the unauthorized collaboration with another person or by any other means, including artificial intelligence (AI) and computer translators, in preparing work for fulfillment of course requirements.” Using AI like (ChatGPT or Google Gemini) to create a document is considered colluding. The use of Generative Artificial Intelligence on specific assignments is at the discretion of the instructor.

Title IX and Sexual Misconduct Reporting

Amarillo College prohibits discrimination and harassment based on sex, including sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking, under Title IX and Texas Education Code §51.253–255. Faculty and staff are mandatory reporters and must share any related concerns with the Title IX Coordinator at titleix@actx.edu. Reports and additional information are available at https://www.actx.edu/hr/title-ixtitle-ix. Confidential counseling and advocacy services are available through the Counseling Center and Advocacy & Resource Center.

Recording Policy

Disability Statement

If you have a disability (learning, mental, physical) that affects your ability to participate effectively and have access to any program or service at Amarillo College please contact Disability Services at (806) 345-5639 . Our offices are located in the Enrollment Center, Suite 700. More information may be found at www.actx.edu/disability.
Disability Services facilitates access to all programs and services according to the ADA, Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, as well as other federal and state laws.

Amarillo College Web Accessibility Policy Statement

Amarillo College is committed to providing equal access to all programs and services, including all working, learning, and service environments that affect equal access for persons with disabilities. This commitment to provide equal access and opportunity for persons with disabilities is in compliance with federal and state law. Amarillo College also strives to provide Electronic and Information Resources (EIR) that are accessible to all authorized users.

If you find you are unable to access material in an accessible format please contact the Disability Services Office at (806) 345-5639 . This office will work in conjunction with other campus resources to address and accommodate your issue in a timely manner.

Statement for Mental Health and Advocacy & Resource Center:

As a student you may experience a range of issues that can cause barriers to learning, such as strained relationships, increased anxiety, alcohol/drug problems, feeling down, difficulty concentrating and/or lack of motivation. These mental health concerns or stressful events may lead to diminished academic performance or reduce a student's ability to participate in daily activities. Amarillo College offers services to assist you with addressing these and other concerns you may be experiencing. If you or someone you know are suffering from any of the aforementioned conditions, you can learn more about the broad range of confidential mental health services available on campus by calling the AC Counseling Center at 806-371-5900. The AC Counseling Center website is https://www.actx.edu/counseling/ . Also, if you are in need of social services (affordable housing, utilities, transportation, food, clothing, childcare, medical/dental/vision, legal), please call the AC Advocacy & Resource Center at 806-371-5439. The AC Advocacy & Resource Center website is https://www.actx.edu/arc

Amarillo College Tutoring for Success Policy:

Tutoring for Success applies to any student whose overall performance in the course falls below 75%. The instructor will create the task in the Student Engagement Portal (Watermark) to direct the student to the appropriate tutoring service, which may be faculty- or SI-led, discipline-specific, and/or general. The tutoring service assigned, the due date for when the tutoring must be completed, and the amount of tutoring required are at the discretion of the instructor. Additionally, the task will alert the student’s success team. Students who do not fulfill the assigned tutoring task may be subject to program- and course-specific penalties that could result in a grade reduction and/or in not being allowed to progress in the course until the tutoring requirement has been satisfied.

Administrative Drop Policy

Students who do not attend class on or prior to the census date will be administratively dropped. Effective Fall, 2016

Student Withdrawal Procedures

Students who wish to withdraw from a course must complete all steps indicated on the Academic Withdrawal Request form by the course withdrawal deadline.

NOTE: Students who are attending Texas institutions of higher education, for the first time fall 2007 and later, may not withdraw from more than six courses during their academic career. This withdrawal limitation does not include dual credit or developmental classes (Senate Bill 1231 Rule 4.10.) For more information on Drop and Withdrawal Policies, please visit the Registrar's Office Web site.

Privacy Statement

The Amarillo College Privacy Policy is found at https://www.actx.edu/-amarillo-college-privacy-notice , and applies to all Amarillo College students.  If you have questions about this privacy statement or you believe that your personal information has been released without your consent, send email to humanresources@actx.edu .

Statement on State-Authorized Courses at Amarillo College

For-credit academic and workforce education courses offered at Amarillo College are limited to the course options available in the statewide inventory for two-year public institutions. Courses in the state-authorized lower-division Academic Course Guide Manual and Workforce Education Course Manual have specific descriptions that prescribe course content and may include specific student learning outcomes. The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) maintains and regularly updates these manuals. Amarillo College faculty and leaders ensure that these courses are aligned with THECB guidelines and evaluated based on student performance outcomes. Students enrolled in these courses are expected to engage with and learn course content. According to the AC Board of Regents Policy Manual, "faculty members are entitled to academic freedom in the conduct of research and teaching and are tasked with the associated responsibilities" (DGC). Students are entitled to academic freedom in the classroom, as well, and faculty "must not attempt to force on students a personal viewpoint and must at all times allow diversity of opinion" (Amarillo College Academic Affairs Manual).

Course

ITDF-1300-001 Introduction to Digital Forensics

Prerequisites

Prerequisite/Corequisite: BCIS 1305

Course Description

Study of the application of digital forensic technology to collect, analyze, document and present information while maintaining a documented chain of custody. Overview of ethics, crime and other legal guidelines/regulations/laws. Includes overview of tools used for forensic analysis of digital devices in investigations.  

Student Resources Student Resources Website

Department Expectations

Occupational License Disclaimer

Notice to Students enrolled in an educational program for preparation of issuance of certain occupational licenses:

Students enrolled in an educational program in preparation for obtaining certain occupational licenses are potentially ineligible for such license if the student has been convicted of an offense. For further information, please contact:

Melodie Graves
Justice Involved Advocate
Student Service Center 117
mgraves24@actx.edu
806-371-5995
Make appointment at https://melodiegraves.youcanbook.me

Hours

(3 2 lec 4 lab)

Class Type

Hybrid

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

Digital Forensics, Investigation and Response 4th Edition

Author: Dr. Chuck Easttom

Publisher: Jones & Bartlett Learning; 4th edition (August 24, 2021)

EBook w/ Lab Access: ISBN-13 978-1284244502

Supplies

• Access to Windows Based PC Computers is available on all Amarillo College Campuses

• Laptop or Desktop Computer using Windows 11 OS

• Reliable Access to Internet

• College-Ruled Notebook, Pen or Pencil

Student Performance

DESCRIPTION OF COURSE (as in catalog):

A study of the application of digital forensic technology to collect, analyze, document and present information while maintaining a documented chain of custody. Overview of ethics, crime and other legal guidelines/regulations/laws. Includes overview of tools used for forensic analysis of digital devices in investigations.

End-of-Course Outcomes:  Identify crimes committed using digital devices; define the role of the digital forensics technician in investigating crimes or incidents; identify the tools used to collect and analyze information stored on digital devices; and describe proper handling of evidence obtained during investigation for civil or criminal proceedings including chain of custody.

Students Rights and Responsibilities

Log in using the AC Connect Portal

In order to receive your AC Connect Email, you must log in through AC Connect at https://acconnect.actx.edu .

If you are an active staff or faculty member according to Human Resources, use "Exchange". All other students, use "AC Connect (Google) Email".

Expected Student Behavior

Students are expected to maintain a high standard of individual honor in their scholastic work.  Students who are guilty of cheating, plagiarism, copying, or dishonesty may be excluded from class with a grade of F or, in flagrant cases, may be suspended from the College.

The faculty of the CIS Department reserves the right to ask a student to verify any portion of a test by reproducing any specific section or all of the test in question.

Any action that compromises the computer systems at Amarillo College, including but not limited to hacking or cracking, can result in a grade of “F” in this course and possible further disciplinary action.

Grading Criteria

The final grade will be computed as follows:

Attendance

• Check your AC email daily. 
• Complete assignments by the scheduled date/time.  There is a no late work policy.
• Attendance for on-campus classes will be taken during each class period. Attendance for online classes will be monitored by access log-in dates recorded in Blackboard.  Excessive absence and lack of participation may result in failure of the course.
• Students should plan on spending a minimum of 10-12 hours per week on this course, outside of class. Actual amounts will vary depending on weekly assignments and topic complexity. Please schedule your time, so that you are able to devote the appropriate energy and effort to achieve success in this course.
• Your instructor can be contacted by email through the course via Blackboard Messages. In-person meetings or additional help are available if needed or desired. Please contact by email to set up a convenient day/time.

Calendar

Additional Information

IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER:

August 24:                           Fall Classes Begin
August 31:                           Census Day (Administrative Drop for Non-Attendance
September 7:                       Labor Day Holiday (AC Closed)
October 6:                            Last Day to Withdraw from Course
October 15:                          Last Day of Course
October 17 - October 25:     Fall Break (AC offices open regular hours Monday-Friday)
October 26:                          Second 8-Week Courses Begin

Student Help Resources

• Center for Teaching and Learning Student and Faculty Help Center - www.actx.edu/ctl/helpcenter
• Center For Teaching and Learning - www.actx.edu/ctl/
• Blackboard Student Help Page - www.actx.edu/ctl/blackboard-student-help
• AskAC - www.actx.edu/contact-us/
• Academic Success Center - www.actx.edu/successcenters/index.ph
• Advocacy and Resource Center - www.actx.edu/arc/index.php
• Career & Employment Services - www.actx.edu/career/
• Advising Home Page - www.actx.edu/advising/
• Counseling Center Home Page - www.actx.edu/counseling/